BleepingComputer.com: question about upgrading RAM

Page 1 of 1

You cannot start a new topic
You cannot reply to this topic

question about upgrading RAM

#1 Zer0cool

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 8
Joined: 06-December 08
Gender:Male
Location:Illinois, USA

Posted 24 January 2009 - 08:39 PM

My computer currently has 512MB (2x256) PC-3200 400MHz DDR RAM installed and can be upgraded to 2GB. my question is, would i just need to get 2x1GB of RAM with those same specs, or is there any other info i need before purchasing a RAM upgrade? Also, do i just install the RAM on the motherboard and it will work? or are there any configurations i have to mess with so that the new RAM can work with my computer?

#2 garmanma

Computer Masochist

Group: Staff Emeritus
Posts: 27,809
Joined: 27-January 07
Location:Cleveland, Ohio

Posted 24 January 2009 - 09:04 PM

Go to Crucial.com:
http://www.crucial.com/
and use their Memory Selection Tool. It will give you all the information you need

Mark

why won't my laptop work?

Having grandkids is God's way of giving you a 2nd chance because you were too busy working your butt off the 1st time around
Do not send me PMs with problems that should be posted in the forums. Keep it in the forums, so everyone benefits
Become a BleepingComputer fan: Facebook and Twitter

#3 Zer0cool

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 8
Joined: 06-December 08
Gender:Male
Location:Illinois, USA

Posted 24 January 2009 - 09:19 PM

wow, that's a really good site. it really saves you a lot of confusion by telling you exactly what your computer needs. thanks for the tip. But there is still the question of whether my computer will automatically detect and use the new RAM. crucial.com says a 32-bit OS may only see and utilize up to 3GB, since I am upgrading to 2GB it should automatically work with my computer, correct?

#4 Wildabeast

Bleeping Lurker...

Group: Members
Posts: 1,112
Joined: 18-September 06
Gender:Male
Location:Nebraska, USA

Posted 25 January 2009 - 04:39 AM

Your computer should detect and configure the new ram on it's own. Unless it was installed wrong or for some reason is incompatable... :thumbsup:

"The nine most feared words in the english language, 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help'..."
Ronald Reagan

#5 dc3

Recalcitrant

Group: Members
Posts: 9,478
Joined: 04-March 05
Gender:Not Telling

Posted 25 January 2009 - 06:05 AM

The modules are keyed in such a fashion that you can't install them the wrong way. As Wildabeast has stated the computer will automatically recognize the new modules, and 2GB will be just fine with a 32-bit operating system.

If you would like a tutorial for this installation try this one.